Prayer Walk is an intentional disciple making strategy. It's a planned time devoted to discovering people of peace (those who want to tell others what they learn and experience about God). It is especially effective among two groups of people. The first are those who have experienced an Access Ministry (food distribution, etc.). They are especially receptive because of the practical expression of love they have received. The second group is referred to as PIPSY: the Poor, Internationals, Prisoners, the Sick & Students, and Your people (family, relatives, acquaintances, neighbors, colleagues, classmates, and everyone else you already know). Matthew 25:34-36
PRAY
Follow up with those who have been blessed by an Access ministry. Consider using the following approach. "Hi, I'm ______________, and this is ________________. We're from the Good Sam food distribution ministry Follow Up Team and we just stopped by to see how we might encourage and serve you." We often then just ask if they have been blessed by the Access ministry. While this seems like an obvious question, it often opens to door to deeper conversation. We then ask how we can serve them. After that we offer prayer, ask to share a story and follow up with those who want to be storytellers. We are careful to not use the term "Home Visit" since it is the same phrase used by Social Services.
Contact with those who have been targeted with prayer. Engage them by saying, "Hi, my name is ____________, and this is __________. We're followers of Jesus Christ and are seeking to encourage people. There are a couple of ways we do this. One is praying for people. May we pray for you?" If they say yes, ask, "If you were to ask God for a miracle in your life, what would you ask for?" Then pray for it to happen. People are incredibly open to God when they experience his powerful presence.
SHARE
Inform them another way you encourage people is by sharing a story from the Bible. Ask if you can share one. Consider using one from the DBS Story Set. After sharing the story, ask, "What does this say about God?" and "What does this say about people?"
Consider Directed Storytelling if you experience a lack of forward momentum.
ASK
Ask the Golden Question, "Do you know anyone who would be encouraged to hear this story from you?" If they say yes, ask if you can text them the story (and the two questions). Let them know you'll be praying for them and will be in contact to see how it's going. Repeat the process to see if they demonstrate the qualities of a multiplying disciple-maker.
DISCIPLE
Begin to meet regularly and help them learn DBS. Then show them how to form, facilitate, and coach a Discovery Group.
more information
Prayer Walk should be bathed in prayer. Seek guidance from the Holy Spirit on who to Prayer Walk among. Enlist a group of people who will pray for you and your team while you are Prayer Walking.
Prayer Walk is a means to a greater end. The goal is to find a person of peace that eventually starts a group who start other groups. The ultimate aim of Prayer Walk is multiplying groups, that become multiplying churches.
Prayer Walk can be done by groups but it is best to approach a door by twos. Preferably a male and female. Regardless of the pairing, try to take someone with you when you go. It's a great way to train people. However, it can be done alone as well.
Prayer Walk is a means to a greater end. The goal is to find a person of peace that eventually starts a group who start other groups. The ultimate aim of Prayer Walk is multiplying groups, that become multiplying churches.
Prayer Walk can be done by groups but it is best to approach a door by twos. Preferably a male and female. Regardless of the pairing, try to take someone with you when you go. It's a great way to train people. However, it can be done alone as well.
Resources
- Watch Compassion (8:05)
- Watch Finding Access on Mission (37:30)
- Watch Access Ministry (56:03)
- Watch Movements in Sudan (Access ministry) (46:53)
- View DMM Resources